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Endometrial Cancer

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Overview of Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial Cancer Meaning in Urdu

کینسر کی یہ قسم خواتین میں رحم کو متاثر کرتی ہے۔ اس کینسر کو رحم کا کینسر بھی کہا جاتا ہے۔ کینسر کی اس قسم کی بنیادی علامات میں مینوپاز کے بعد خون بہنا، جنسی سرگرمی کے دوران تکلیف، پیشاب کرتے وقت درد کا سامنا، جسم کے نچلے حصے میں درد، اور حیض کے دنوں کے علاوہ اعضائے مخصوصہ سے خون آنا شامل ہے۔ کچھ عوامل جیسا کہ مینوپاز کے بعد ہارمونل تھراپی، موٹاپہ، میٹابولک سینڈروم، ٹائپ ٹو ذیابیطس، اور مینوپاز وقت سے پہلے شروع ہوجانے سے اس کینسر کے خطرات میں اضافہ ہو جاتا ہے۔

Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. It is the most common type of cancer which affects the female reproductive system.

The endometrium is the tissue lining the inside of the uterus. It grows and thickens each month in preparation for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, this tissue is shed during menstruation.

Endometrial cancer usually occurs in women who have gone through menopause. However, it can also occur in younger women. Risk factors for endometrial cancer include obesity, hormone imbalances, a history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, and a family history of endometrial or colon cancer.

Prevalence of Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer affects most women who have hit menopause. The average age to get Endometrial Cancer is 60. It’s rare in women aged below 45. 

Signs and Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages, but as cancer progresses, the following symptoms may occur:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding: The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. It can include bleeding between periods, after menopause, or unusually heavy or long periods.
  • Pelvic pain: As cancer grows, it can cause pain or discomfort in the pelvis or lower abdomen.
  • Pain during sex: Endometrial cancer may cause pain during intercourse.
  • Vaginal discharge: Some women with endometrial cancer may experience a watery or blood-tinged discharge.
  • Weight loss: In some cases, endometrial cancer may cause unintentional weight loss.

Other conditions can cause these symptoms, and all women with endometrial cancer will not experience these symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, particularly if they persist for more than two weeks, you should see a doctor (gynecologist) for evaluation.

Types of Endometrial Cancer

There are two main types of endometrial cancer:

  1. Endometrioid adenocarcinoma: It is the most common type of endometrial cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It develops from the glandular cells that line the inside of the uterus and is usually slow-growing and less aggressive than other types.
  2. Non-endometrioid adenocarcinoma: This type of endometrial cancer is less common and includes several subtypes, such as serous, clear cell, and mucinous adenocarcinoma. Non-endometrioid adenocarcinomas are more aggressive than endometrioid adenocarcinomas, often diagnosed at a later stage, and difficult to treat.

Other rare types of endometrial cancer include squamous cell carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, and carcinosarcoma.

Causes of Endometrial Cancer

The exact cause of endometrial cancer is not fully understood, but certain factors can increase a woman's risk of developing it. These include:

  • Age: Endometrial cancer diagnosis is most common in women over 50 years.
  • Hormonal imbalances: Women with high estrogen relative to progesterone are at an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer. It can occur due to several reasons, such as obesity, hormone replacement therapy, or polycystic ovary syndrome.
  • Family history: Women with a family history of endometrial, ovarian, or colon cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease. 
  • Previous history of cancer: Women who underwent breast or ovarian cancer may be at an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.
  • Diabetes: Women with type 2 diabetes may be at an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.
  • Obesity: Obesity is a significant risk factor for endometrial cancer. Fat cells can produce estrogen, which can promote the growth of endometrial tissue.

It's important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that a woman will develop endometrial cancer, and some women without any known risk factors may still develop the disease.

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Risk Factors of Endometrial Cancer

Some of the risk factors for endometrial cancer include:

  • Previous history of cancer: Women who have had breast or ovarian cancer may be at an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.
  • Diabetes: Women with type 2 diabetes may be at an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.
  • Obesity: Obesity is a significant risk factor for endometrial cancer, as fat cells can produce estrogen, promoting the growth of endometrial tissue.
  • Late menopause: Women who go through menopause later in life have a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer.
  • Never having been pregnant: Women who have never been pregnant are at a slightly higher risk of developing endometrial cancer.
  • Tamoxifen use: Women who have taken tamoxifen, a drug used to treat breast cancer, are at an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.
  • Radiation therapy: Women who have undergone radiation therapy to the pelvic area are at an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.

Having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that a woman will develop endometrial cancer, and some women without any known risk factors may still develop the disease.

Complications of Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. Some possible complications of endometrial cancer include:

  • Metastasis: Endometrial cancer can spread to other body parts, such as the lungs, liver, or bones.
  • Lymphedema: Removal of lymph nodes during surgery can lead to lymphedema, a condition where excess fluid builds up in the tissues, causing swelling.
  • Infertility: Depending on the stage and treatment of cancer, patients may suffer from infertility, and women may have difficulty conceiving. 
  • Recurrence: Endometrial cancer can recur even after successful treatment, so ongoing monitoring is essential. 
  • Adverse effects of treatment: Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy can all have side effects, including pain, nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.
  • Psychological impact: A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging, and many women may experience anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns.

Women with endometrial cancer should work closely with their healthcare providers to manage potential complications and receive appropriate treatment and follow-up care.

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Prevention

There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of endometrial cancer, including:

  • Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a significant risk factor for endometrial cancer, so try to maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet.
  • Hormone therapy: If you are taking hormone therapy, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the treatment. Hormone therapy may increase your risk of developing endometrial cancer.
  • Birth control: Oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and other forms of birth control can reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
  • Regular checkups: Make sure to get regular pelvic exams, Pap smears, and other tests recommended by the doctor. These exams can help detect any abnormalities early on.
  • Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce your risk of endometrial cancer.
  • Quit smoking: Smoking has been linked to a higher risk of endometrial cancer, so quitting smoking can help reduce your risk.
  • Treat underlying conditions: Conditions like diabetes and hypertension have been linked to an increased risk of endometrial cancer. Treating these conditions can help reduce your risk.
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Diagnosis

The diagnosis of endometrial cancer typically involves several steps, including a medical history review, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Here are the most common methods used to diagnose endometrial cancer:

  • Medical history review: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and family history of cancer. They may also ask about your menstrual cycle and any medications you are taking.
  • Physical examination: Your doctor will perform a pelvic exam to look for abnormalities in your uterus or ovaries.
  • Transvaginal ultrasound: The TVS Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the uterus and ovaries. It can help identify any abnormal growths or masses.
  • Endometrial biopsy: Biopsy involves taking a sample of tissue from the lining of the uterus to check for cancer cells. The sample is taken using a thin tube inserted through the cervix or a hysteroscope, a thin, lighted instrument inserted into the uterus.
  • Dilation and curettage (D&C): This procedure involves dilating the cervix and scraping the lining of the uterus to collect tissue samples. It is usually done under anesthesia in a hospital or surgical center.
  • Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI can help determine the extent of cancer and whether it has spread to other body areas. 

Once a diagnosis of endometrial cancer is confirmed, your doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment plan based on the stage of cancer, your overall health, and other factors.

Treatment of Endometrial Cancer | When to Consult a Doctor

Endometrial cancer is typically treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. The specific treatment plan will depend on the stage of cancer, the age and health of the patient, and other individual factors. Here are some common treatments for endometrial cancer:

  • Surgery: Surgery is the primary treatment for endometrial cancer. It involves removing the uterus (hysterectomy) and possibly other nearby organs or tissues, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. In some cases, lymph nodes may also be removed for testing.
  • Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy involves high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery, or sometimes as the primary treatment for endometrial cancer.
  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery and radiation therapy.
  • Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy may be recommended for some types of endometrial cancer. It involves medications that block the effects of estrogen on cancer cells.

Your Oncologist will help determine the best treatment approach for your specific case of endometrial cancer. It's important to discuss all treatment options and their potential benefits and side effects with your healthcare team, which involves Gynecologists and Oncologists. 

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